Striker Unit Cover Element for Folding Roof Gap Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing counter bearing devices in motor vehicles, such as those in BMW 3 series convertibles, face issues with small objects like pine needles entering the gap between the base part and the recess, making them difficult to clean and increasing maintenance costs due to the need for complex electropolishing of the surface.

Innovation Solution

A cover element is introduced that covers the base part and the gap between it and the recess, preventing small objects from entering and reducing visibility of the surface, allowing for cost-effective manufacturing using materials like die-cast zinc or plastic, and is detachably connected via a clip or snap-in connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the base part surface is electropolished in a complex manner to achieve a visible surface, then the appearance quality is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A cover element is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the base part. The cover element has a visible surface that replaces the need for complex electropolishing of the base part, while the base part itself can have a simpler, non-visible surface structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The counter bearing device is segmented into two distinct parts: the base part (functional component) and the cover element (visible component). This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the base part for function and the cover element for appearance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the gap between the base part and the recess is left open for adjustment range, then the adaptability is improved, but small objects can enter the gap causing contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment rangeVSAvoidcontamination by small objects

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element acts as a mediator that spans across the adjustment gap. It allows the base part to move within the recess for adjustment while preventing small objects from falling into the gap, as the cover element covers the entire gap area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Shape

If the base part is completely visible to show the surface treatment, then the appearance quality is improved, but maintenance difficulty increases due to deposit accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisible surfaceVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The cover element serves as a protective intermediary that has the visible surface instead of the base part. Since the cover element covers the base part, deposits accumulate on the cover element rather than the base part, making maintenance easier as the cover can be removed and cleaned separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP1816287B1Striker unit of a device for locking a closed folding roof to a vehicle

Publication Date: 2008.10.01 BAYERISCHE MOTOREN WERKE AG

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AI summary

The device has a base part (1) which is covered from a covering element, which has an outlet opening for the locking element. A space (14) between the base part and an edge area of the recess (6) is covered overhead. The base part has a top opened central opening (8) at a distance from the access opening (4).